New developments in treating otitis media.

Abstract

Treatment of otitis media has changed over time as the disease has become better understood and as clinical experience and technology have expanded and grown. Successful treatment depends on accurate definitions and classifications of types of otitis media. An awareness of the pathogenic and pathologic correlates of otitis media enhances accurate diagnosis and improves the results of treatment. An understanding of the otitis media continuum also assists in management. On the basis of studies largely emanating from the University of Minnesota's Otitis Media Pathogenesis Research Program, we here highlight definitions, classifications, and diagnosis of the otitis medias, and medical treatments of these various clinical and pathologic entities and their sequelae.